SAHM boredom

[Artechim]

What do other SAHM's do to beat the isolation and boredom of being at home all the time? I go to mothers group once a week and until recently was going to a music group but DS cracks it every time so had to give it up. I take him 2-3 times a week to play at a daycare centre (I stay with him). But these things don't provide much in the way of social stimulation for me. I do talk to the other mothers at MG, but it is only superficial conversation and I don't see any of them outside of the group.

I don't have any friends in the area and am not sure how to meet any. I can't go out at night as DS still needs me to get to sleep.

I am just sooo bored, if not for a second baby coming soon I would seriously consider finding some part-time work just to see actual people.

So what steps do you take to avoid the mind-numbing boredom of living the same day over and over again?

[AnyDream]

I take classes - whether they are one-off things on the weekend, or over a few weeks. Often there are classes held at local community houses and sometimes they provide creches or play facilities there so you can keep an eye on your kids but still do something and talk to people. Even if it's some really lame activity, that's not the point, its just increasing your chances of meeting someone you might really gel with, kwim?

The other thing you can do is make it a little project of yours to dig a little deeper and find out if there's anyone in the MG who might have some similar ideas/interests to you. Then all you have to do is invite them for a coffee at some point - often ppl are more interesting away from the group, kwim?

This is how I met all the ppl who are now my good friends here:
* One i met at an ABA meeting, noticed she was wearing a crystal, and got to talking about our metaphysical interests.
* One I met at a meditation class, I think we only attended the same class twice but in that time I struck up a conversation and asked her for a coffee
* One I met online (via BB in fact!! She's not on BB anymore but we have kept in touch)
* One was our FDC lady - also met a few other lovely friends through her, we all get together still occasionally
* One I met at bellydancing
* One (and only one) is an old school friend - from primary school in another state - saw the opportunity to look her up and made that phone call, even tho it had been more than a decade and I wasn't sure where her life had led her since then.

Occasionally I like to get out old address books and flick through and have a shot at tracking people down. you'd be surprised at how many people actually turn up living closer than you thought. Even phoning and old friend for a catch up in the middle of the day can work wonders for your sense of social connection!

[Ginger]

i talk to you guys LOL

[Roryrory]

Have you thought about starting a mummy-blog? Sounds like you could be a voice in the wilderness for those who aren't buying into the "being a SAHM fulfils every ounce of my soul and being" school of motherhood

[toomanyshoes]

some days I feel like I'm losing my mind!

I have the same problem and the fact we just moved to brisbane doesnt help lol

I totally suck at meeting new people so shy!

BB has kept me sane for the last couple of weeks though

The classes and stuff sounds like a great idea and I would tell myself I was going to do it, but I know I would end up sitting in a corner not talking to anyone

[Heaven]

I have the same problem and the fact we just moved to brisbane doesnt help lol

I totally suck at meeting new people so shy!

are u coming to the brisbane meet?? you should!! it will be fun!!

[toomanyshoes]

are u coming to the brisbane meet?? you should!! it will be fun!!

I did think about it but I would end up chickening out at the last min or just sitting in the corner lol

and a lot of people would have already met etc, I hate moving mid school year for that reason, all the little 'groups' have already formed and its even harder to find an 'in'.

[Arcadia]

I knit, sew and go to ballet classes 2 x a week. I also spend a lot of time out walking.

I know what you mean about MG. we have decided to bring some craft projects along so we knit/sew while we chat. It also gives us something else to talk about...

[AnyDream]

I did think about it but I would end up chickening out at the last min or just sitting in the corner lol

Toomanyshoes, if you keep turning up and sitting in the corner, time after time, eventually someone else who is feeling just as shy/awkward will strike up a conversation. The trick is to keep turning up!

[mbear]

I dont really get bored...i just found i needed some ME time...so like MD suggested, i did a couple of courses. Last year i did a macromedia course (how to create internet sites from scratch), this year i did a dressmaking course. When this bubs is at least 6 months old i already have my list of courses to do.....i cant wait.

When i had just one child, i used to play indoor netball at night too - the games would usually be at 8-830pm at night, so baby was in bed (i breastfed all my girls to sleep), and i got to have a run around.....indoor netball only goes for 30 mins, so i was usually home within an hour or so.....

[Ozstar]

like Rainy I just talk to you guys LMAO.

[Ginger]

i'm thinking of doing either a knitting or cooking course once Little J is old enough.
wish we lived closer Arte and we could hang out...

[Junglemum]

i'm thinking of enrolling in a couple of on-line subjects Arte. Australian open universities have all on-line courses. Not very social, but will keep the grey matter working. Does a NZ uni offer online study?